Packers vs. Jets: Quick Takes from Green Bay's 31-24 Win

Quick takes from the Packers' 31-24 come-from-behind win over the Jets in Week 2. 

Aaron Rodgers put on his best Matt Flynn impression, coming back from a 21-3 first half deficit to lead the Green Bay Packers (1-1) over the New York Jets (1-1) by a 31-24 final scoreline Sunday at Lambeau Field. 

 

It was over when…

…Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for 15 yards on 3rd-and-3 coming out of the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. The easy completion allowed Rodgers to kneel twice and secure the win. How could the Jets give up a 10-yard cushion to Nelson—Rodgers' go-to guy—on the game's deciding play? Baffling. 

 

Game Balls

  • Jordy Nelson: Rodgers targeted him 16 times Sunday. He caught nine for a career-high 209 yards, the most by a Packers receiver since Don Beebe went for 220 against San Francisco in 1996. Three of his catches went for over 20 yards, including the game-winning 80-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also drew a 27-yard pass interference penalty and hauled in the game-clinching reception. Nice little day at the office. 
  • Mike Daniels: To his credit, Daniels candidly admitted he played poorly in Seattle. He has no need for a confessional this week. Daniels had a sack, two tackles for losses and two quarterback hits, including one that directly resulted in Tramon Williams' interception. On his sack, he mauled the Jets left guard and still got Geno Smith to the ground despite being held. 
  • Mason Crosby: Three attempts, three makes. His 55-yarder would have been good from 65, and it split the uprights right down the middle. What a kick. Crosby has started his season a perfect 4-for-4.  

 

Key Stats

Rodgers completed 25 of his 42 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. His passer rating was 109.8. Meanwhile, Smith finished with just 176 passing yards and a rating of 64.1…The Jets rushed for 146 yards, but New York needed 37 carries (3.9 per rush). Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson combined for 64 yards on 25 carries (2.56 yards per rush)…Eddie Lacy rushed 13 times for just 43 yards. He now has 25 carries for 77 yards and zero touchdowns this season…The Packers defense allowed three points and 100 total yards in the second half…Green Bay defensed nine passes, had four tackles for losses and posted six quarterback hits…The Packers ran 68 plays. At the half, Green Bay was on pace for 82. The Jets ran 71 plays…The Packers were just 2-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone. 

 

Other Notes

-- Rodgers was a little off at times and he occasionally held the ball too long, but credit him for delivering a huge come-from-behind win. Sunday was the first time he's come back from over 14 points down and won the game. Some quarterbacks would try to erase an 18-point deficit with one throw, but Rodgers was patient and careful. Eventually, the madness of the first quarter settled and the Packers got into a groove. Over a seven-drive period spanning the second and third quarters, Rodgers led the Packers to points on six series. 

-- Misdirection really hurt the Packers early on. The Jets scored touchdowns on three straight possessions, using mostly the power running game and some gadgetry. However, the defense really settled down in the second half. Amazing what can happen when a defense stops the run and pressures the quarterback. Here's how the Jets finished drives after the first three touchdowns: Punt, interception, end of half, punt, punt, field goal, punt, punt, turnover on downs. Not bad. The Jets did not have a drive spanning more than 50 yards over their final nine possessions. 

-- Tough break on the Jets timeout. Geno Smith and Jeremy Kerley made a great play on fourth down, and it looked like the Jets were going to tie the game. Who knows what could have happened from there. Brutal. 

-- Why you would ever attempt to punch someone wearing a helmet is beyond me. Muhammad Wilkerson deserved his long walk back to the locker room. Great player, really stupid play. 

-- The Packers avoided disaster. Much is made about the dreaded 0-2 start, which is typically a precursor to missing the postseason. But this would have been an especially deflating loss, given it was the home opener and the Packers had 10 days to prepare for a team quarterbacked by Geno Smith. Hard to complain with 1-1 after all that has went wrong during the first two weeks. 

-- A vitally important two-game stretch begins next Sunday, when the Packers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions. The Matt Flynn-led Packers were massacred in Ford Field last year. After a trip to Detroit, Green Bay has to go to Chicago. Road games in the division are the toughest of wins. Back-to-back battles will further test the Packers. 

 

Zach Kruse contributes to Cheesehead TV. He is also the Lead Writer for the NFC North at Bleacher Report. You can reach him on Twitter @zachkruse2 or by email at [email protected]. 

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Comments (36)

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Beep's picture

September 14, 2014 at 07:40 pm

I knew it would be tough to run on the Jets, but where was Starks tonight?

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Tundraboy's picture

September 15, 2014 at 11:53 am

Just don't not get MM at all. .Starks was the best weapon to use against the Jets......

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Bearmeat's picture

September 14, 2014 at 07:55 pm

They got lucky to win today. If they play like this in Det and Chi, they're going to lose.

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4thand1's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:26 pm

This team is notorious slow starting.

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KenEllis's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:36 pm

And slow finishing the past 3 years as well.

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Bearmeat's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:57 pm

Sigh... true

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packerpatb's picture

September 14, 2014 at 09:02 pm

too right. after the first five quarters of play this season, i prayed for someone to please beam me back from the 70's/80's! let's hope they've got this out of there systems!

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packerpatb's picture

September 14, 2014 at 09:02 pm

too right. after the first five quarters of play this season, i prayed for someone to please beam me back from the 70's/80's! let's hope they've got this out of there systems!

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JimTaylor31's picture

September 15, 2014 at 10:35 am

No question that they do need to pick up their game a few notches. I think the offense will be OK but I'm afraid with Capers calling the shots with the defense it's gonna be hit-and-miss all season. I'm sure TT will regret not bagging Capers after the 2012 season........again.

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NickPerry's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:00 pm

I saw Starks out there a few times. My concern was Casey Hayward. I saw him standing by MM a couple times, but saw only #24 bush in for the Dime Defense. That makes me truly nervous! Nelson is unbelievable, Rodgers is starting to find a groove. We need 4 more Mike Daniels on the D-Line. Once they settled down the D played alright, but they need to really tighten it up with road games against the Lions and Bears up next. McCarthy STOP calling onside kicks!

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Charvid's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:18 pm

Tackling is still dismal. I saw several replays that showed multiple Packer defenders just throw their bodies at a Jet with NO---not a bit--attempt to use arms and wrap people up. Gotta clean that up.

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4thand1's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:27 pm

Agreed, f- the big hit and bouncing off. If I were the coach, I'd start fining guys for missed tackles.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 14, 2014 at 09:33 pm

"Tackling is still dismal."

The Packers rarely practice live tackling. It's difficult to be good at something you do not practice.

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HankScorpio's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:26 pm

The run game was a non-factor.

Rodgers was misfiring like we don't often see, especially early.

The defense didn't show up until 20 minutes of gametime had expired.

But a win is a win.

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4thand1's picture

September 14, 2014 at 08:28 pm

tied for 1st. Queens and lolions came down to earth.

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HankScorpio's picture

September 14, 2014 at 09:03 pm

4thand1,

As they were kneeling it out, that exact thought occurred to me.

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murphy's picture

September 14, 2014 at 10:27 pm

8-8 might take this division. The Bears, who lost to Buffalo in Chicago, are making the Niners look decidedly human (with some generous official assistance). The one time I cheer for the Niners...

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 14, 2014 at 09:39 pm

- This is a very talented team. They're just not a good team (yet)

- Mike Daniels....PLEASE SURROUND THIS GUY WITH SOME MORE TALENTED D-LINEMEN!

-We're quick to point the finger at Dom when he does wrong (and it seems often),but we never give credit when due. When he has Clay over a WR pre-snap I noticed RBs never have success cutting back his way. He's also fast enough and athletic enough to cover (man and zone). I want more Clay covering/roaming.

-Where Li Phuck was James Starks!? Hot damn it if 1 player isn't getting it done - on to the next!

-About time Rodgers looked/found the rookie Adams. He looks so much like Greg Jennings with the ball in his hands. Wooo!

-Stop running the ball towards Sherrod

-I get why Rodgers holds on to the ball. But damn,does he ALWAYS have to do it!? He took at least 3 stupid sacks and a couple stupid QB hits.

-The runs given to Cobb I would have liked given to Harris. I want to see Cobb in the "Cobra" formation. That formation puts Cobb vs a LB or S every time.

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NickPerry's picture

September 15, 2014 at 06:46 am

I'd like to see more of Harris too, especially of 3rd down.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 15, 2014 at 07:31 am

Me too... That drive before halftime when he was in the hurry up offense, i thought he showed what he could do. I love him as a Receiver out of the backfield. I would like to see him used more.

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Mojo's picture

September 15, 2014 at 12:07 am

Does this count as a come from behind victory for Rodgers, since the Packers were leading after 3 Q's and held it throughout the 4th? If not it just shows what a croc that stat is.

People are saying the Packers were blessed with good luck to win the game. How does fumbling the first snap of the game deep in your own territory constitute good luck?

The Packers had more first downs, more net yards and a higher average per play. During the time out play, Tramon said he heard the whistle a number of times. Maybe some on the D hesitated on the play which allowed it to be successful.

Regardless, the Packers deserved to win. They weren't lucky.

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HankScorpio's picture

September 15, 2014 at 08:34 am

"Does this count as a come from behind victory for Rodgers, since the Packers were leading after 3 Q's and held it throughout the 4th? If not it just shows what a croc that stat is."

No, it does not count in Rodgers 4th quarter comeback record, which is often sited to demonstrate Rodgers is not "clutch". Despite being the 4th largest comeback in team history.

And yes, that stat is largely a crock. All those instances where Rodgers gave them a 4th Q lead (or tie), only to see the defense give it back up pretty much already demonstrated that. But this game is certainly another data point that demonstrates that stat is over-rated.

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4thand1's picture

September 15, 2014 at 09:21 am

Mojo is one of the best posters in here.

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 15, 2014 at 08:59 am

A lot of angst here and rightly so. My takes. First, I was wrong. I had the Jets by 10. OK, I was right about the end of the half. I thought there running game and the fact Geno was starting to look better and was now a mobile QB who could also pass and that D line, it would be a long day. Hey is Morningwoos hadn't called that timeout we probably would have lost.

1. The O line wasn't all that bad. Rogers still wants that bomb throw. Some stupid in his play at times.

2. Dix may be a lost pick. Game on the line, three jets in the endzone, one catches the ball for TD (called back) and Dix is on the 5 yard line watching? Your a Safety. You never let a guy run past you. Escpecially uncontested in our endzone. Hey, after 4 years of college and 6 pro games he would know that by now. Put a fork in this guy.

3. Datone made some plays and jammed the middle up. Good job. Perry? Did he even play?
Hayward? Can't help the team on the bench. Another injury prone guy we need to think about losing.

4. Lacy will not have a year like last year. He does not posses the speed to run wide but he keeps trying to. I expect little from him. Just has no quickness.

5. Rogers our tight end looks like a fat, overweight slob who can't tie his shoes without help. The analyst said 5th round at best and they were wrong. 6th or 7th at best.

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Bohj's picture

September 15, 2014 at 02:14 pm

Wow.....are you for real?
Haha.....writing him off already? I thought he certainly outplayed pryor. He also had to fill in more for an injured Hyde. Just calm down and let this guy develop a little. No rookie safety turns into a pro bowler in two games.

Stop with injury prone. You're injury prone. You go knock your body around for three hours with the toughest biggest mothas to play sports in the world. Do that sixteen times a year. See how many games you last. Its a vicious game. Some people get hurt. Its not a prone thing. Its just bad luck.

And stay off of lacy. Dude is the best back we've probably ever had......ever. He just went up against arguably the best two run Ds in the league with a beat up oline starring a second yr left tackle a rookie center and a rt tackle who has battled to get experience because he broke his tibia and fibula (aka injury prone). His production will come. And when it does you will feel silly.

Rogers will be our best overall tight end before the year is over. Dude has hands and wide receiver speed. And he has proven he can help block because we steered him to help sherrod all game.

Finley didn't do shit until year two. People jump all over the rookies. Calm down. Our drafting is decent. Offensive rookie of the yr last year.....A few votes away from defensive rookie of the year the year before. Yeah.....total busts....good call.

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Bohj's picture

September 15, 2014 at 02:21 pm

One more note: you build the best team you can when you draft high twenties every year and see what you come up with. I'm okay being competitive every year. Best rosters in the nfl: seahawks, niners, cinci, bills, lions. (Admit it. If cinci and the bills had a hall of fame qb.....they'd be unstoppable).

So now ask yourselves: would ten years or more of sucking be worth those rosters?

Hell no people!!!! Be happy we have a team that competes. You could be a Tampa fan or a Jacksonville or raiders fan.

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4thand1's picture

September 15, 2014 at 09:20 am

Why don't you just leave, nobody likes you.

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JimTaylor31's picture

September 15, 2014 at 10:41 am

I didn't get to see the Packers game this week but did watch the SD vs. Sea game. Notable that Rivers was not the least intimidated by Sherman and he made it pay off on a number of key plays. Seemed like SD had a much better game plan making the Hawks defend the whole field and opening things up for both the run game and the pass. Sure hope we get another crack at Seattle but then again MM and Co. are pretty stubborn when it comes making adjustments.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 15, 2014 at 10:51 am

You can beat Sherman with a quick WR - see Randall Cobb. He excels at defending bigger more physical WR's. Still one of the more mind boggling coaching decisions I have ever witnessed. SD and Antonio Gates played out of their mind at home in 120 degree heat.

In general, our offense needs to get more creative. Its ridiculous how predictable we can be.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 15, 2014 at 12:15 pm

Can be? . All the time. Like a recurring nightmare this stupid play calling.

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pooch's picture

September 15, 2014 at 06:47 pm

Not the same ever since Joe P went to Miami

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Evan's picture

September 15, 2014 at 11:09 am

SD had like a 2.0 yards per carry on the ground...so I'm not sure how much they opened things up.

What I've read (granted, I haven't seen the game) is SD's gameplan was to beat them with the pass (the short passing game, specifically) and by controlling the clock. The Seahawks had the ball for less than 18 minutes. That's insane.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 15, 2014 at 06:37 pm

"SD's gameplan was to beat them with the pass (the short passing game, specifically) and by controlling the clock"

I have a love hate relationship with Rodgers and Coach McCarthy. We have the WR (Cobb) who does good work from the slot and a RB (Harris) who is excellent when catching check-downs - but noooooooo - let's not utilize them two like that.

I don't know whyyyyyyy Coach McCarthy insists on FORCE feeding Lacy when he's not productive. He's not the type of back who can break one at any given time. When 's the last game Starks had a bad (running) game?

But enough of that game. We're 1-1 heading into week 3. I guess I should....happy???

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Tundraboy's picture

September 17, 2014 at 11:10 pm

Noooo, I wish Holmgen was coaching. We have the perfect west coast talent finally

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

September 18, 2014 at 12:20 am

Don't get too happy, Not just yet. The Detroit game opened GB -1. The line has now gone to Detroit -2 -2 1/2. That does not look good for GB. LVT

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White92's picture

September 17, 2014 at 08:40 am

These tight ends are on a milk carton. I hope Bostick helps when healthy. If not, have they totally moved on from Finley?

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